Connollys new book picks up where
her last book Tarot: A Handbook for the Journeyman
left off. Each book in Connollys series gets more
specialized. The main theme of Handbook for the Master is an in
depth study of the Celtic Cross Spread. Connolly presents what
she calls the Malkuthian Celtic Spread. This spread
is to be used whenever a Celtic Cross spread has four or more
Major Arcana Cards. The premise is that the querent is
experiencing unavoidable karmic situations - good, bad or
indifferent. Connollys system is fairly complex and
consumes the majority of the book. She also provides a long
initiation ritual as a Master Tarotologist. As is her
style, she provides precise instructions which should be followed
to the letter. You must have a table covered with purple paper, a
purple candle, a piece of amethyst, etc. The Master
Tarotlogist who reads for him or herself, teaches and reads
for other should have THREE distinct pairs of tarot
decks (six decks). Of course there is a section devoted to
the Connolly deck which she claims was designed to create
an extended vibratory level that could be seen visually by the
Tarotologist. She provides upright and reversed meanings
(the key), a master pearl, a
benchmark and Connolly Codicils.
Altogether they encompass a lot of information to memorize for
each card. The codicils are an extension of the divination
in depth concept in Connollys first book A
Handbook for the Apprentice. Connolly promises another book
tentatively titled Tarot: A Second Handbook for the
Master in which she plans to provide additional information
on the Major Arcana and in depth information on the symbolism in
the Connolly deck.

Overall, I found this book and the
system it describes complicated and dogmatic. I also wonder about
the preoccupation with titles and initiations into those titles.
If I complete this book and initiate myself as a Master
Tarotologist, what does that mean? Connolly fans may like this
book, particularly if they have studied and used the methods
presented in Connollys previous books. This book is not for
beginners in my opinion, nor is it suitable for more advanced
students who do not subscribe to Connollys views. Those who
use Connollys deck may find the interpretations useful as
an extension of those provided in Connollys Handbook
for the Apprentice.

Excerpt:

The collection of the Ten Malkuthian
Keys for the Malkuthian Celtic spread. The content and nature of
this unique Spread is Cabalistic. The Student master Tarotologist
would soon recognize the need to investigate and acquire a basic
knowledge of Gnothology which is the esoteric Science of Numbers
(See Connolly book of Numbers Vol. 1 and 2.). This would enable
the Master to pursue the Malkutian keys in a much deeper way.
Initially the Student Master Tarotologist can work with the
Malkutian keys and gain a level of wisdom and satisfaction.
Eventually you will realize how much further you can probe and by
delineating the combined esoteric sciences of Tarotology and
Gnothology. You can then be far more exacting in regard to past
lives and interpreting the karmic path of Destiny and its future
probabilities.

(Page 20)

Without the necessary Apprentice,
Journeyman and Master studies this series will not be readily
understood. This future series will explore the outer bounds of
Tarotology and expose the reader to areas of studies practiced by
the true Master Tarotologist.